Extreme Orchid

[Julie Kenward]

This one immediately caught my attention when I went through the orchid exhibit at my local botanical garden this past weekend. It's one of my first attempts at shooting in camera raw and I'm loving it!

Canon 40D, EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM
f 2.8 @ 1/100
ISO 200
Natural light from windows inside nature conservatory
Eval meter, handheld

[Robert O'Toole]

Pleasing image works well and really stands out with the dark background. Good sharpness and fine colors.

The image could use a little more space around the orchid on the right and removing the hotspot on the bottom would improve the image.


Robert

[Alfred Forns]

Agree with Robert on the extra space. It is a beautiful image Juli. High impact and love the composition !!! Big Congrats !!!

[Van Hilliard]

I too agree with Robert (and Alfred). Very striking image.

[Ed Vatza]

Very dynamic and impactful image, Julie. The colors look great. the space on the right has already been addressed. Very nice job.

[Mike Moats]

Hey Julie, great details and colors.

[Arthur Morris]

Wow! This is stunning. Amazing that you got the killer black BKGr without flash.

[Julie Kenward]

Artie, I tend to underexpose many of my floral shots and then use curves to pull that background down when the colors in the flowers can hold their own. This one certainly could!

[Ed Cordes]

Stunning presentation. I like the "flying" appearance of the flower. To my eye orchids always look good on black backgrounds. If I were to nit at all I would suggest working the BG a bit more to eliminate the faint hint of folds and wrinkles in your material. It is hard to see this, but since I use black material to create these BGs myself I am overly sensitive to their appearance. Great image with a lot of impact.